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Cao Y, Wang Y, Li W, Feng J, Chen Y, Chen R, Hu L, Wei J. Fasudil attenuates oxidative stress-induced partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells in hyperuricemic nephropathy via activating Nrf2. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 975:176640. [PMID: 38750716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Anti-partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) treatment of renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) represents a promising therapeutic approach. Hyperuricemia nephropathy (HN) arises as a consequence of hyperuricemia (HUA)-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). Studies have suggested that the Ras homolog member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway is a crucial signaling transduction system in renal fibrosis. Fasudil, a RhoA/ROCK inhibitor, has exhibited the potential to prevent fibrosis progress. However, its impact on the pEMT of TECs in HN remains unclear. Here, an HN rat model and an uric acid (UA)-stimulated human kidney 2 (HK2) cell model were established and treated with Fasudil to explore its effects. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of action involved in the attenuation of pEMT in TECs by Fasudil during HN was probed by using multiple molecular approaches. The HN rat model exhibited significant renal dysfunction and histopathological damage, whereas in vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed the pEMT status accompanied by RhoA/ROCK pathway activation and oxidative stress in tubular cells exposed to UA. Notably, Fasudil ameliorated these pathological changes, and this was consistent with the trend of ROCK silencing in vitro. Mechanistically, we identified the Neh2 domain of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a target of Fasudil for the first time. Fasudil targets Nrf2 activation and antagonizes oxidative stress to attenuate the pEMT of TECs in HN. Our findings suggest that Fasudil attenuates oxidative stress-induced pEMT of TECs in HN by targeting Nrf2 activation. Thus, Fasudil is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yanni Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, China; Hubei Selenium and Human Health Institute, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Jianan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ruike Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Langtao Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jiali Wei
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, China.
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Peng T, Yang S, Lian W, Liu X, Zheng P, Qin X, Liao B, Zhou P, Wang Y, Liu F, Yang Z, Ye Z, Shan H, Liu X, Yu Y, Li R. Cytoskeletal and inter-cellular junction remodelling in endometrial organoids under oxygen-glucose deprivation: a new potential pathological mechanism for thin endometria. Hum Reprod 2024:deae137. [PMID: 38915267 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the pathological mechanism involved in a thin endometrium, particularly under ischaemic conditions? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrial dysfunction in patients with thin endometrium primarily results from remodelling in cytoskeletons and cellular junctions of endometrial epithelial cells under ischemic conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A healthy endometrium is essential for successful embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy; ischemic conditions in a thin endometrium compromise fertility outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited 10 patients with thin endometrium and 15 patients with healthy endometrium. Doppler ultrasound and immunohistochemical results confirmed the presence of insufficient endometrial blood perfusion in patients with thin endometrium. Organoids were constructed using healthy endometrial tissue and cultured under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions for 24 h. The morphological, transcriptomic, protein expression, and signaling pathway changes in the OGD organoids were observed. These findings were validated in both thin endometrial tissue and healthy endometrial tissue samples. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial thickness and blood flow were measured during the late follicular phase using transvaginal Doppler ultrasound. Endometrial tissue was obtained via hysteroscopy. Fresh endometrial tissues were used for the generation and culture of human endometrial organoids. Organoids were cultured in an appropriate medium and subjected to OGD to simulate ischemic conditions. Apoptosis and cell death were assessed using Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. Immunofluorescence analysis, RNA sequencing, western blotting, simple westerns, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were conducted to evaluate cellular and molecular changes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patients with thin endometrium showed significantly reduced endometrial thickness and altered blood flow patterns compared to those with healthy endometrium. Immunohistochemical staining revealed fewer CD34-positive blood vessels and glands in the thin endometrium group. Organoids cultured under OGD conditions exhibited significant morphological changes, increased apoptosis, and cell death. RNA-seq identified differentially expressed genes related to cytoskeletal remodeling and stress responses. OGD induced a strong cytoskeletal reorganization, mediated by the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Additionally, electron microscopy indicated compromised epithelial integrity and abnormal cell junctions in thin endometrial tissues. Upregulation of hypoxia markers (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) and activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway were also observed in thin endometrial tissues, suggesting ischemia and hypoxia as underlying mechanisms. LARGE SCALE DATA none. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION The study was conducted in an in vitro model, which may not fully replicate the complexity of in vivo conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This research provides a new three-dimensional in vitro model of thin endometrium, as well as novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometrial ischaemia in thin endometrium, offering potential avenues for identifying therapeutic targets for treating fertility issues related to thin endometrium. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81925013); National Key Research and Development Project of China (2022YFC2702500, 2021YFC2700303, 2021YFC2700601); the Capital Health Research and Development Project (SF2022-1-4092); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82288102, 81925013, 82225019, 82192873); Special Project on Capital Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research and Transformation Application (Z211100002921054); the Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory Foundation(TFJC2023010001). The authors declare that no competing interests exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- TianLiu Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xunsi Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Baoying Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Fenting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
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Cai Y, Wang LW, Wu J, Chen ZW, Yu XF, Liu FH, Gao DP. Fasudil alleviates alcohol-induced cognitive deficits and hippocampal morphology injury partly by altering the assembly of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115068. [PMID: 38830386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) manifests predominantly as cognitive impairment and brain atrophy with the hippocampus showing particular vulnerability. Fasudil, a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, has established neuroprotective properties; however, its impact on alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal structural damage remains unelucidated. This study probes Fasudil's neuroprotective potential and identifies its mechanism of action in an in vivo context. Male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to 30% (v/v, 6.0 g/kg) ethanol by intragastric administration for four weeks. Concurrently, these mice received a co-treatment with Fasudil through intraperitoneal injections at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day. Fasudil was found to mitigate alcohol-induced spatial and recognition memory deficits, which were quantified using Y maze, Morris water maze, and novel object recognition tests. Concurrently, Fasudil attenuated hippocampal structural damage prompted by chronic alcohol exposure. Notably, Fasudil moderated alcohol-induced disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules-mechanisms central to the maintenance of hippocampal synaptic integrity. Collectively, our findings indicate that Fasudil partially reverses alcohol-induced cognitive and morphological detriments by modulating cytoskeletal dynamics, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies for ARBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Lu-Wan Wang
- School of Medical, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Zi-Wei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Xue-Feng Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Fu-He Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University, 666 Siming Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315500, PR China
| | - Da-Peng Gao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, 247 Renmin Rd, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, PR China.
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